Of the total amount, United Way agencies will receive $256,310; other charitable organizations will receive $37,965 from the campaign which again allowed donors to write in names of any IRS-recognized non-profit groups.

The Gold Medal winner of the participation rate contest was Student Accounts and Loans (controller’s office) with a 68.42% participation rate. The Silver Medal went to Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services at 65.63 percent. Winner of the Bronze Medal was University Relations at 57.5 percent. The Runner Up Award went to Alumni Relations and Development (Group #1) for its 48.94 percent rate. Brian Peters, director of University Services, said congratulations also goes to IT Tech Support Services for its 48.39% participation rate and Alumni Relations and Development (Group #2) for its 44.9% participation rate.

In addition to the group participation contest, the 2005 campaign had an early bird raffle and a year-end raffle to motivate employees to give generously and early. There were 108 early bird raffle winners and 98 winners of the United Way Year-End Raffle. Also, everyone returning a pledge card by Aug. 31 received a certificate for two tickets to a Wildcat football game.